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Zsa Zsa was up for the title of Ugliest Dog against some fierce competition: a blackhead-covered Chinese crested-dachshund mutt, a bulldog mix with excess wrinkly skin and a Pekingese named Wild Thang.

After she was made top ugly dog, her family said: "We are so excited for her; she deserves this."

She became an instant celebrity after he win, and flew from San Francisco to New York to grace the Today show with her presence.

Organisers of the annual contest say the event is "a fun and silly way to advocate that all animals deserve a safe and loving home."

Ms Brainard, of Anoka, Minnesota, adopted Zsa Zsa after spotting her on Petfinder. The dog had previously been rescued from a puppy mill in Missouri when she was 5 years old, according to the newspaper.

The dog mum said she named Zsa Zsa after the Hungarian actress Zsa Zsa Gabor, as the pup enjoyed lounging on the couch "like a beautiful model."

This story originally appeared on the New York Post and are republished with permission.